Lucky Luna Lovegood’s Happy Tail
January 10th, 2023
By Savannah Verdon, Development and Engagement Coordinator
Bethany had long been involved in the world of animal rescue when she realized the unique problems domestic rabbits face. Known for their prolific reproduction, many pet rabbits receive inadequate veterinary care or are abandoned, defenseless against an unfamiliar environment. Worse still, there were very few rescues specialized in caring for, rehabbing, and adopting rabbits into loving homes. So, she opened the Bunny Trail Rabbit Rescue and has since helped hundreds of precious rabbits find families who will cherish them.
An important part of the success of Bethany’s rescue is the network of compassionate foster parents who take newly rescued rabbits in so they can learn to trust humans once again, or perhaps for the first time. This transition period ensures that they will thrive in their new homes, giving them a chance to acclimate to a proper diet and loving, individual attention.
Luna Lovegood, an almost two-year-old Lionhead rabbit of unparalleled cuteness, was loving life in her foster home. She had been surrendered by her previous family, and while she was timid at first, she gained confidence as she explored play tunnels and hiding spots, motivated by delicious treats. Her foster parent noticed one day that Luna seemed to be favoring her left rear leg. They brought her back to Bethany, who took Luna to the veterinarian for X-rays.
Somehow, Luna had broken her pelvis while in foster care. It wasn’t clear how this happened, but it was most likely that something fell and landed on the little lady. To live the hippity, hoppity, happy life she deserved, the veterinarian suggested Luna would need to have the leg amputated at the hip – a major expense for a small rescue. Bethany was diligent about having the funds to pay for veterinary care for all of the rabbits that came to Bunny Trail, but the quoted cost she received for Luna’s surgery was shocking.
Bethany shared Luna’s plight with all of Bunny Trail’s followers, who eagerly answered the call for help. Still, as kindhearted donations poured in, she realized that in order for Luna to undergo surgery as soon as possible and not wait another day in pain, she would need a bit more help from the animal rescue world. With Luna’s surgery scheduled for a Tuesday morning, Bethany applied for a RedRover Relief Urgent Care grant on Saturday, crossing her fingers that she would raise all the funds she needed in time.
Come Monday, her application had been approved, and things were looking up for little Luna Lovegood. Bethany received even more good news when, after beginning the surgery, the veterinarian determined Luna wouldn’t need to have her leg amputated after all! She was young and resilient, and she had a strong chance of recovering with physical therapy once her hip was placed correctly during the surgery. After an overnight stay at the hospital, Luna returned to the rescue to begin her recovery process – the last step before finding a family to call her own.
With plenty of treats to keep her motivated, Luna sailed through recovery, regaining her energy, appetite, and spirit in no time. While Luna underwent physical therapy, Bethany was thrilled to learn that a family had expressed interest in adopting Luna! Once her follow-up X-rays cleared her, she would be on her way to her new life.
A little over a month after her surgery, Luna Lovegood was no longer a shy, cute bunny, but a cherished pet with a big personality. Her family shared an update with Bethany and the team at Bunny Trails Rescue Ranch, who passed it on to the many supporters who made Luna’s surgery possible, including our FurEver Friends:
“Remember Miss Luna? This gorgeous girl has been blooming in her new family. Being spoiled rotten by her adopted family is the understatement of the year. She zooms and binkies around the house like nothing ever happened. Thanks to you all who made her surgery possible and rooting for this girl through surgery and recovery. She will forever be grateful for her cheer squad.”
We are excited to share more heartwarming Happy Tails like these in 2023. Thanks to our FurEver Friends for making second chances possible!
